Spanish tomato sector warns of competition and rising costs

During a meeting of the European Commission’s Tomato Expert Group in Brussels, the Spanish delegation raised concerns regarding the 2025/2026 campaign. While the cultivated area remains relatively stable, production is expected to decrease by approximately 2% due to adverse weather, phytosanitary issues, and the use of virus-resistant but less productive varieties.

Spanish representatives, including FEPEX director Ignacio Antequera, highlighted significant pressure from production costs. Recent increases include a 16% rise in energy and transport costs and an 18% increase in the cost of plastics, packaging, and containers. Despite stable market prices, these rising expenses have prevented a proportional improvement in producer profitability.

There is particular concern regarding the cherry tomato segment. The delegation noted a loss in cultivated area, specifically for loose cherry tomatoes, attributing this trend to competition from Morocco and disparities in labor costs and regulatory conditions.